This article will explain the reasons behind uncapping your in-game FPS and provide a comprehensive guide on how to do it effectively. Let's go!
This article examines the arguments for and against capping your FPS, explains the effects on gameplay, and provides detailed guidance on how to set the frame rate limit.
The Impact Of FPS On Your Gaming Experience: Explained
Frames Per Second (FPS) are paramount in games where timing is crucial, as they significantly influence your overall gaming experience. Put simply, FPS represents the number of frames displayed per second, determining the speed at which the visual elements on your screen move. Higher FPS values result in faster screen movement, creating a more realistic and responsive gameplay environment.
Your in-game FPS is closely linked to both your monitor and system specifications. To put it simply, the first factor that impacts your in-game FPS is your monitor, specifically its refresh rate.
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Currently, many gamers go for the 144Hz refresh rate due to its excellent price-to-value ratio and affordability. This refresh rate is sufficient for games like Valorant, CS:GO, or Apex Legends, ensuring a smooth and responsive gaming experience.
It's important to note that with a 144Hz refresh rate, regardless of the FPS displayed in the game, you will only receive up to 144Hz or lower. Therefore, if your game indicates 500 FPS, but your monitor's refresh rate is capped at 144Hz, anything beyond 144Hz is essentially wasted.
The second factor that affects your FPS is your computer's specifications. Specific hardware is necessary to achieve the optimal FPS rate, such as 144 frames in the case of Valorant.
FPS Capped & Uncapped
Now that we have a grasp of how FPS and its impact on Valorant work, let's delve into the advantages and disadvantages of your decision.
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CAP your FPS at 144
- Your CPU/GPU won't be working at maximum capacity, saving Electricity and Temperature will be at a lower level
- Your other processes apart from Valorant will get more % of your CPU/GPU (installing games, rendering videos, etc)
- In a long-term plan, this will make your PC parts more durable as they won't be overheating or being overused
only 2 reasons to cap fps, stability (some games crash/physics break at high fps) and to prevent screen tearing, the latter only works if you maintain that FPS and it's a multiplier of your base refresh rate (say 120fps on a 60hz monitor). Leave it uncapped.
— NEB Hemmo (@NEBHemmo) October 11, 2021
Uncapping your FPS
- Have a slightly better graphics experience when a lot of stuff is happening in front of you (no stuttering)
- Your FPS will almost never drop below 144, so you will be gaming at your Monitor's Refresh Rate constantly
- Valorant is an optimized game, so even if your FPS is uncapped it won't burn your CPU or GPU
- Those high FPS numbers are a huge flex when you are streaming your gameplay to someone else
Valorant: How To Uncap or Cap Your FPS
The ultimate decision rests with you, and we are here to guide you through the process. To make any adjustments to your FPS settings, you must first launch the game, since all changes are made within the game's settings.
What To Do Afterward
- Open Settings (Top-Right Corner)
- Go to Video (Second to last Option on the Top side of the screen)
- In the middle, you will see a ton of options regarding your FPS, let's focus on the “Limit FPS Always” option
- Make sure it's selected on OFF, as this is the most important one.
- If you wish to completely Uncap your FPS and let it roam freely, turn off all the “Limiting” Options in this section
By following these steps, you can successfully uncap your FPS and enjoy unrestricted frame rates. If you desire further customization and adjustment options, we will now provide explanations for each setting and what they entail.
- Limit FPS on Battery: For laptop users, enabling this option will set a specific FPS limit when the laptop is running on battery power. This helps to conserve battery life and allows you to enjoy extended gaming sessions while on the go.
- Limit FPS in Menus: Enabling this option will restrict the FPS specifically in the menu screen. It won't impact your in-game FPS or overall performance, but it may lower the FPS to a predetermined value. Keep in mind that this limitation might result in slight stuttering or lag in the menu interface.
- Limit FPS in Background: When you have this option enabled and set to a specific value, your game will run at that FPS while your PC is not actively focused on it, such as when you are using another application or have alt-tabbed to a different window.
- Limit FPS Always: These two options, along with the Battery options, are the ones that directly impact your in-game FPS. The value you set here determines the maximum FPS at which the game will run, ensuring it does not exceed the specified limit.
That concludes our helpful guidance on Valorant and its FPS settings. We hope it will be useful!
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